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Mosquito population booming: How can you protect yourself?

Mosquito control companies have had a busy season this year. They say the recent weather is to blame.

While they don't have any statistics yet, experts say the mosquito population is booming.

The health department is not concerned just yet about viruses mosquitos carry, like West Nile, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says 2012 was the deadliest year for West Nile in the United States.

So how can you protect yourself from mosquitos and what should you do if you are bitten?

News10NBC went out Sunday searching for those answers.

How many times have you been forced to go inside because you are getting bitten by mosquitos? It's the easiest way to ruin a barbeque.

But there are things you can do to help prevent an outbreak in your yard, especially since it's going to stay humid for the next few days.

The problem isn't the mosquito itself. It's the bacteria and other parasites that it carries. They can transmit Malaria, West Nile and even Yellow Fever-to name a few.

Since a single mosquito could produce more than 1-billion eggs in under a month, experts say it's important to keep an eye on your yard.

The biggest enemy for our area right now? It's water!

Experts say the recent weather rain and humidity is a perfect recipe for mosquitos.

Local mosquito control companies have been spraying down several yards. Joe Koval from the Mosquito Squad has a few tips to share.

“What we advise people is to start by absolutely minimizing the amount of water that they leave around, ground water, toys filled with water, tip everything over. Tilt stuff that collects water. Remove your tarps. Toss out garbage and if you still have a problem, call us and we'll treat it,” said Joe Koval, Mosquioto Squad President.

The CDC has a few general protective measures.

It recommends knowing peak exposure times. Wear appropriate clothing. Use bed nets if you can. Insecticides and repellents are considered the most effective tool and avoid outbreaks. If you are traveling, you may want to check if the area is on high alert for mosquitos.

The CDC has so much information about mosquitos and what to do if you think you are infected. For more information from the CDC, click here.